Karachi Woman Served Legal Notice for Controversial Comment on Iranian Supreme Leader
A legal notice has been issued to Maryam Hanif Balwani for allegedly posting an offensive and provocative comment on social media regarding the reported death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei. The notice was sent by senior lawyer Shehryar Dilshad of Haider Law Associates on the request of Karachi resident Bilawal Hussain Baloch.
According to the notice, Maryam Hanif Balwani shared a post on her social media account in which the Iranian Supreme Leader was allegedly described as an opponent of Islam. The complainant argued that the statement was made at a time when Muslims around the world were expressing grief over Ayatollah Khamenei’s passing, and therefore the post hurt the religious sentiments of many people and could potentially incite sectarian tensions.
The legal notice further states that the alleged act may constitute violations under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Through the notice, Balwani has been asked to issue an unconditional public apology to the Muslim Ummah and the complainant within 14 days and to immediately remove the controversial content from social media.
It also warns that if she fails to comply within the given time, criminal and civil proceedings will be initiated against her in relevant courts and before law-enforcement authorities. Any legal expenses or damages arising from the case would also be her responsibility.
